Bill to ban manufacturing, selling Gutka, Mainpuri tabled

Naimat Khan
KARACHI: A lawmaker of the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) tabled a bill in Sindh Assembly here on Tuesday, seeking a ban on manufacture and sale of Gutka and Mainpuri across the province.
The bill was introduced by former Sindh minister Rubina Saadat Qaimkhani.
When passed the bill a permanent ban will be imposed on manufacturing and selling of Gutka and Mainpuri in Sindh Province.
Sharing the aims and objectives of the bail, Ms Qaimkhani said that a large number of youth and adult are eating this harmful product. She said that Gutka and Mainpuri contain betel nuts, tobacco and lime as their main ingredients, which is why it’s very harmful.
Physicians have been warning against the hazardous and fatal effects of Gutka and Mainpuri which are manufactured locally, imported or smuggled in the country and used by adults and children alike, she informed the Sindh Assembly.
A Sindh home department notification said that under Section 144 of the CrPC an immediate ban had been imposed on preparation, manufacture and sale of Gutka and Mainpuri throughout the province of Sindh until further orders.
The cabinet few months ago discussed shisha smoking /cafe, gutka and manpuri at length and decided to impose ban on them. Secretary Health briefing the cabinet said that shisha smoking is equal to smoking 150 cigarettes in single time.
About nine liters smoke is inhaled when a person smokes shesha in a session. The cabinet imposing ban on shehsh, gutka and manpuri directed the IG police to implement the decision.